Page 26 - MTW November 2022 Digital Magazine_R1

COVER STORY

Mastercam -

Setting global benchmarks

in CAM TECHNOLOGY &

APPLICATIONS

CAD/CAM software is used to translate computer-aided design (CAD) to manufacturing workpieces with
computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) on your CNC machines. Mastercam offers CAD/CAM software tools
for a variety of CNC programming needs, from basic to complex. Due to its innovative, flexible solutions and
top notch network of support, Mastercam software is a complete solution from the start of design through
to manufacturing. It is the most widely used CAM brand globally. Machine Tools World interacts with David
Boucher, Chief Product Officer, Mastercam to ascertain the dynamics of the CAM business worldwide, and the
technological innovations spearheaded by this conglomerate to bring the best of technologies and machining
practices to the metalworking and manufacturing world. Excerpts:

Q. You are a veteran in the CAM First, our internal experts propose new We are also fortunate to have a
industry. Please brief us about ideas and concepts for programming vast network of top-tier partners in all
your journey with Mastercam. based on emerging manufacturing trends. areas of manufacturing. With our close
I have been involved in the CAM industry Second, we get feedback and suggestions partnerships, we can see upcoming trends
most of my working life. I started as a directly from resellers, partners and and develop software tools to ensure that
developer for a UK CAM start-up and customers. users can run the hardware the optimal
progressed through various development, As we refine these ideas, we test them way the manufacturer intended.
product, and management roles through at our in-house Manufacturing Lab. Our
the years. I started working with Lab is a fully equipped with machine Q. Tell us more about Mastercam’s
Mastercam in a consultancy role in 2008 shop that mixes the latest in machine tool focus and innovative approach to
and joined full-time in 2010 as Mill-Turn technology with common “work-horse” technology development.
Product Manager before taking on the role machines so that we can test new ideas Technology and platforms change
of Product Director in 2012. I have held in various real-world shop conditions. We quickly. We have built and maintained an
the position of Chief Product Officer since rotate the machines out of our shop on a unmatched global community by keeping
2018, and in this role, I am responsible 12- to 18-month cycle to help ensure we a single focus while delivering that change.
for the overall direction of the Mastercam have a wide variety on which to test. We push ourselves to produce methods of
product, working with a team of product Once proven out, the software goes to machining faster, more efficiently, and with
managers and owners, as well as our our extensive Beta Testing community more automation and precision.
global network of resellers, partners, and made up of Mastercam users across the Mastercam has introduced several
customers. globe that want to immediately use and pieces of technology to assist with this
dissect the latest CAM technology. That need in the last few years. Our Dynamic
Q. What is the process involved feedback goes through a final rigorous Motion Technology creates material-aware
in the development of new CAM testing phase, with new refinements toolpaths, which keep a more consistent
technologies at your end? always available to Beta users for testing chip load on the tool while using more flute
New features are developed in two ways. on the shop floor. length. The result is safer cutting that is up

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